Shell considering gas-to-diesel plant in Louisiana

April 09/2012

(hydrocarbonprocessing) -- Royal Dutch Shell is
considering building a giant plant in Louisiana that would convert natural gas
into diesel fuel, several people familiar with the company's plans said. The
Anglo-Dutch company is expected to take up to two years to develop detailed
engineering plans to determine if the plant is economically viable.

Royal Dutch Shell is considering building a giant plant in Louisiana that
would convert natural gas into diesel fuel, several people familiar with the
company's plans said.

The plant, which could cost more than USD10 billion, would be similar in size
to Shell's Pearl gas-to-liquids facility in the Mideast nation of Qatar, the
people said.

Pearl, which went into operation last June, turns natural gas into enough
diesel to fill more than 160,000 cars a day.

Shell declined to comment on its plans. The Anglo-Dutch company is expected
to take up to two years to develop detailed engineering plans to determine if
the plant is economically viable before submitting the project for approval by
the company's board.

Shell's plans are the latest sign that companies are seeking new ways to
exploit extensive natural-gas discoveries in the US.